Last Exit to Springfield

"Last Exit to Springfield" is the seventeenth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 11, 1993. The plot revolves around Homer Simpson becoming president of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant's trade union and leading the workers of the plant in a strike in order to restore their dental plan to avoid the family having to pay out-of-pocket for Lisa's new braces. The episode was written by Jay Kogen and Wallace Wolodarsky (their final writing credit for The Simpsons), and directed by Mark Kirkland. The episode contains several cultural references and Dr. Joyce Brothers guest stars as herself. "Last Exit to Springfield" received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics and has frequently been cited as one of the best episodes of the entire series. Plot While awaiting the arrival of his employees' union president (who is heavily implied to have been murdered for his attempts to clean up corruption in the organization) to discuss the latest contract, Mr. Burns reminisces of simpler times back in 1909, when his grandfather would seal his workers away in abandoned coke ovens. Burns decides to challenge the union's demands by revoking their dental plan. Lisa has a dentist appointment where her dentist, Dr. Wolfe, informs the family that Lisa needs braces. Homer tells a worried Marge that the dental plan the union won during a strike at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant will cover the cost. Later, at a union meeting, Carl announces that the newest contract requires them to give up their dental plan in exchange for a free keg of beer at union meetings. Homer slowly realizes that giving up their dental plan would require him to pay for Lisa's braces and jumps into action, reminding everyone how their dental plan has helped them all. After encouragement from Carl, Homer is promptly elected the new union president.